Good-bye, Meagan

Today’s the day. This is the day I’ve been dreading for five months. This is Meagan’s last day here with me. My home will no longer be her home, Ms J. And I feel so sad.

She told me her plan from the beginning. She was going to stay here until school was finished in June, and then go to live with RJ in Georgetown. That was her plan. I knew she’d go. But I always hoped maybe she’d change her mind. I always hoped maybe she’d grow to like it here with me. Maybe she’d find some friends here, or a job, and want to stay. But that hasn’t happened, Ms J.

Soon, I’ll drive Meagan and her meagre possessions to Georgetown where she’ll wave good-bye for the last time and skip up the concrete steps to RJ’s Spartan home. She won’t call me on Sunday as she has every Sunday for five months to arrange a pick-up time. She won’t wake up here on Monday morning. We won’t have breakfast together.

Her bedroom here is tidy. Tidy and empty. And the hole in my heart is slowly filling with hopes and prayers for my daughter.

Keep her safe, Lord. Remind her how much her daddy loves her. And how he misses her. And how very proud he is of her.

Bye, Scout. Thanks for making me so proud. Thanks for doing so well in school. Thanks for being a good daughter. Every day with you was good. I’ll remember every hug, every smile, and every teardrop. And if you ever want to come home, my door will be open for you. My arms and my heart and my door will always be open for you. And you’ll always have a home here with me.

I love you.

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